Gerald Houston

Connect Who or what inspires you to cook?

My mother and sister are at the top of my list of HUMANS that I want to make proud! Both have sacrificed and been my biggest cheer leaders! I have also been extremely fortunate to have great black women in my corner, their resilience and strength have been a major force in my life. I’m amazed by the power of food and its ability to bring people together no matter the occasion; it nurtures and heals in ways beyond words. Food has also shown me the importance of balance in life & on th

What's your all time favorite dish to make?

Short Rib Rice!!!! It was the first thing I made for my family after returning home from college! A labor of love that packs so much flavor. It was approachable for the elders in my family. It served as a gateway meal into gaining their trust while showing them all I’d learned in culinary school and through my travels.

What would you do with the $25,000?

$25,000 would allow me the ability to expand my business as a private chef, develop a strong social media presence, and gain influence that can me used to help educate and revitalizing my community through farm to table establishments and experiences. $25,000 would be the starting point to a much larger dream to also help course correct troubled youth and formerly incarcerated men through these farm to table establishments.